Dr. Tiffany Ofili Porter

I’m not sure if it’s having recently brought new life into the world, or being very comfortably in retirement from sports, but the idea of legacy has been on my mind very heavy these last few months.

The older I get the more important legacy becomes to me. The goal is to make an impact on the next generation & generations to come. Leaving a lasting legacy involves a combination of actions and qualities.

Here are four ways we can leave a meaningful legacy:

1) Make a positive impact on others

We do this by first identifying our own unique passions, and then using that knowledge to contribute to our community in a meaningful way. We define our values and purpose by understanding what matters most to us and how we want to be remembered.

Do you want to be remembered because of your faith? Your kindness? Your jokes? Your maturity?

Whatever it looks like for you, after we consciously determine what really matters to us, we must then take the practical steps to build our legacy day in and day out.

For me, I desire to impact my circle positively by helping and inspiring others through acts of kindness, mentorship, or philanthropy. Even more importantly, I want to live my life in such a way that represents my walk as a Christian. If just one single person can say I made things smoother for them in any way, then I consider it a mission accomplished.

It may not seem that important now, but it is also imperative that we document our journeys through writing, videos, or other mediums so we can pass it down to the next generation.

As Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie tells of the danger of a single story, we all have the power to use our voices (or photos, written text etc) to tell our own stories and prohibit someone else from doing it for us erroneously.

We can affect how our legacy is recieved by others by documenting our stories and controlling the narrative of our own lives.

Take a moment to capture the photo, add to the scrapbook, make the journal entry or whatever is necessary to document your story so it can be passed down accurately.

2) Share our knowledge and values

We are all created with unique perspectives as a result of our lived experiences. The way we show up in the world is not by accident, and it’s important that we use the knowledge we’ve acquired throughout the years to impact those around us.

We can do this by leading by example in our actions by demonstrating integrity, compassion, and resilience to inspire others. Whether we realize it or not, people are always watching how we behave, and habitually doing what’s right will positively impact the stamp you leave on the world even when you’re gone.

It is also important that we share our knowledge by passing on our wisdom and expertise to future generations. To me, this looks like mentoring others, either officially or unofficially, and being open to sharing what I’ve leaned along the way. If we can condense years of trial, error, and triumph to pass on to others and make their jobs easier, then we are creating impact.

3) Cultivate meaningful relationships

It’s one thing to have family & friends by default and a whole different thing to put the work in for those relationships to be fruitful. As a mom, wife, sister, daughter, and friend, I strive to always put my best foot forward by being there for people in the way that they need me.

I hope to be a listening ear.
I hope to offer encouragement and motivation when necessary.
I hope to be a landing spot for sound advice.
I hope to be a safe place for people to be vulnerable with.
I hope to be a prayer warrior and intercede on the behalf of others.
I hope to be a shoulder to lean on in times of need.
I hope to be a valuable resource that friends and family feel comfortable utilizing.

The way we treat others and make them feel is a huge component of a lasting legacy.

4) Create something that endures

For me in this place in my life, my children are two of the most important parts of the legacy I wish to leave behind, and I take the job of pouring into them very seriously.

The values and lessons we teach our children will impact their own relationships and all the people they come in contact with every day. It’s a trickle down effect because what kids learn at home has the power to change their little sphere of influence, whether those lessons are good or bad. When we consider the sum of every single person’s individual sphere of influence, we realize it can eventually leave a lasting impact on the world at large.

I saw something that said “when we raise kids, we are ultimately raising adults simultaneously” since our childhood lessons will impact us into adulthood. That really resonated with me. So now when I train my young daughter, I remember that I’m also helping to train someone’s wife, mom, friend, Co worker, etc.

Creating a legacy through children is a big responsibility and one that’s always in the back of my mind when I’m with my kids. When we are dead and gone, the lessons we leave our kids will ultimately stand the test of time. So let’s use that power for good.

In addition to children, creating something lasting can be achieved by building or contributing to projects, art, literature, or initiatives that can endure over time.

That “little business” you started may yield a lucrative empire that can change the trajectory of your family tree.

That non-profit organization you spearheaded may impact several lives and be the reason someone’s situation is turned around.

That passion project you dedicated time and effort to may become the next large company that impacts a whole generation.

Regardless of what our purpose is in life, we all have the ability to create something impactful that can endure over the years. Once we do identify what that is for us, we should then have a succession plan. If we take the time to map out what life will look like for those around us once we are gone, this will ensure a smooth transition to sustain its impact.

Legacy is not just about what we achieve, but also how we inspire and influence others around us positively. If done wisely, the impact will extend far beyond our lifetime. Ultimately the goal of a lasting legacy should be to make a positive difference in the lives of others and contribute to the betterment of society.



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